China welcomes the signing of a nationwide ceasefire accord between the Myanmar government and eight ethnic armed groups, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

"China supports and welcomes the important progress made in Myanmar's domestic peace process," spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing.

She said the Chinese special envoy on Asian affairs witnessed the signing at the invitation of the Myanmar government.

China will continue to play an active role in Myanmar's domestic peace process in accordance with Myanmar's wishes, Hua added.

The Myanmar government and eight ethnic armed groups signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA) in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday, which was witnessed by local and international observers.